A global technology expert responsible for driving innovation at Northumbrian Water will be at Ward Hadaway’s North East Fastest 50 event to crown the leading lights of the region’s business community.

Nigel Watson, group information services director at Northumbrian Water, will deliver the keynote speech at this year’s North East Fastest 50 Awards, organised by Ward Hadaway and backed by The Journal to celebrate the achievements of the North East’s fastest-growing businesses.

Mr Watson, who is also a member of the CBI’s Innovation Council, will talk about the challenges and benefits that innovation can bring for fast growing businesses when he meets business leaders at the invitation-only event.

Speaking about his forthcoming appearance, Mr Watson said: “I’m delighted to have been invited to be the guest speaker at the Ward Hadaway North East Fastest 50 Awards for 2018, which celebrate the success of businesses across the region.

“I will be talking about ‘design thinking’ as a collaborative approach for the development of innovative solutions within business.”

Mr Watson started his career in 1981 on a Government YOP scheme at the Eastern Electricity Board earning £23.50 a week.

He has come some way since then, having been an ex-pat in such places as San Francisco, Guadalajara, Toronto, Sydney and Istanbul.

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During his career he has worked for some of the most prestigious organisations in the world, including GE Capital, Microsoft, Vodafone and Travelport. Mr Watson has also held senior positions across most domains within technology. More recently he has specialised in the field of transformation, mergers and acquisitions.

He joined Northumbrian Water Group in 2015 to help the company prepare for the opening of the retail competition for business customers. His appointment as CIO two years ago sees him lead the development and use of new technologies. The group has the stated aim of becoming the most digital water company in the world.

Mr Watson lives in Durham with his family. When he gets any free time, he enjoys theatre, taking part in the occasional Triathlon and watching Spurs, albeit not as often in person these days.

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The 21st Ward Hadaway Fastest 50 awards ceremony will take place on October 12 at Baltic, the Centre for Contemporary Art, in Gateshead.

Martin Hulls, managing partner of Ward Hadaway, said: “We are delighted that Nigel has accepted our invitation to be a guest speaker at the Ward Hadaway North East Fastest 50 Awards for 2018.

“Innovation is one of the key areas we all need to focus on if we are to boost economic growth in the region, so it will be interesting to hear what Nigel has to say on this subject and how he has made a difference at Northumbrian Water.”